as in hobby
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure photography is merely an avocation for me—I've never tried to make money off of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of avocation Dramatically groaning and moaning about the heat in the summer is my avocation. Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024 Wine, however, was an avocation that eventually became part of his portfolio. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024 And the Romans had other, less-objectionable avocations. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 Today, cooking has become a major generational avocation and source of pride. Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • What started as a weekend hobby quickly grew into a full-fledged business, and Molski, who has since retired from healthcare sales, couldn't be happier to spend his weekends hunting and restoring vintage pieces.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Stargazers interested in getting a closer look at the wonders of the night sky should check out our roundups of the best telescopes and binoculars available in 2025, while those new to the hobby should read our roundup of the best smartphone astronomy apps for navigating the post sunset realm.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This is the uniform in which DesRochers greets me at the nucleus of her sprawling entrepreneurial pursuits that are dubbed The Gratitude Collective, her brick home sitting high atop a hill in Avondale.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the setback, Franklin remains undeterred and is determined to land another coaching job while continuing his pursuit of a national championship.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her love for journalism began with taking freelance sports photos for her local newspaper, The Fulton Sun, during high school, and her involvement with multiple school publications.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This emotional confidence will encourage upbeat times socializing with others, as well as exploring sports events and fun activities with kids.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These figures are based on tourism impact calculators measuring lodging, dining, retail and recreation spending in Bentonville.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The new buildings are designed to create a resort-like atmosphere where boat owners can work, work out or enjoy two separate bayside recreation areas.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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